Yesterday it was Raven, but today Maxis are the latest developer to remind us that yes, we're in a recession, and even working for a studio with a string of best-selling titles and profitable IP to its name doesn't guarantee keeping your job; parent company EA has announced staff cut backs at the Spore developer.

Maxis, which was founded by prominent designer Will Wright and played an intrinsic role in the creation of the Sims franchise, are currently putting the final touches on Spore Hero for Wii and Spore Hero Arena for DS, as well as ongoing support and expansions to the original Spore. EA say these activities will not be affected by the job losses.

"Often in the videogame industry, the size of a studio fluctuates in response to business conditions ... In this case, EA has taken action to reduce the workforce at Maxis as we focus the business and focus Maxis. EA remains fully committed to Spore and other IP within Maxis, with games planned for launch in the next few months,"

Because the cuts come as a preventative measure rather than as a last resort, former Maxis employees will thankfully not be shown the door empty-handed, but paid out in full according to their severance entitlements and provided with assistance finding new placements.

They say that these things always come in threes - any bets as to which studio will see lay-offs tomorrow...?